Five questions with Spencer Hutchison, Ward 1 – Trenton candidate for Quinte West council in the 2026 municipal election

Editor’s note: To help voters to be better informed, Quinteist will be asking the same five questions of all council candidates in Belleville, Quinte West and Prince Edward County in advance of the municipal election, which will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Questions were sent to all candidates on Sept. 10, 2026. We will publish their responses as we receive them. Below are the responses from Ward 1 – Trenton candidate Spencer Hutchison. You can view a roundup of all our Quinte West municipal coverage and links to all completed profiles here.

1. Tell us a little bit about your professional background, including any prior municipal or other political participation, as well as about you, personally. What made you want to run for council?

I am life-long resident of Trenton who graduated from Dufferin Public School and Trenton High School.

I am a semi-retired after a 30-year career as a municipal land use planner in then Town of Trenton, the Municipality of Port Hope and the City of Belleville.

I completed my municipal career as Manager of Approvals for the Engineering and Development Services Department for Belleville.

As a result, I have had a lengthy involvement with city development and growth with a wide range of small and major development projects.

I understand how cities grow and develop and the competing pressures on city finances, and a first-hand appreciation of budgeting and working in local government while having to deal with provincial policies and legislation.

I was elected as the Trenton/CFB Trenton trustee for the Hastings Prince Edward School Board back in October 2018 and served for one four-year term.

It was a challenging time for our kids and the educational system trying to navigate COVID.

I serve as a director with Quinte West Minor Soccer for over 10 years, helping organize and run local soccer each summer with other board members and staff. This year we have over 1,700 young people playing.

I am a board member of the of the Connect Quinte Affordable Housing Corporation, a non-profit group of citizens established to promote “real” affordable housing in Quinte West. Our mandate is to ensure that every resident of Quinte West has access to a home by promoting, providing and operating affordable and appropriate housing.

Finally I am a director with The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, which works to ensure students have the support needed to realize well-being and success. This is an extremely hard working and committed foundation with outstanding staff and volunteers dedicated to help our students and provide financial support and resources to our two local school boards.

As outlined above, my whole philosophy is to give back to the community. To serve and assist.

I believe I have knowledge and experience that would make Quinte West a better place to live, and I felt it was time to try as a member of City council.

2. How would you describe your personal political ideology and/or affiliation?

Borrowing from Harry Bosch, “everyone counts or no one counts”. I believe every resident of Quinte West counts and as a local government we should step up to make our community better for everyone. As when I was a municipal employee, I consider myself a public servant to help and assist others. I am a team player. Politically I do not belong to any party and am pragmatic at each election as to what are the issues and who appears best to address those issues.

3. What are the three most common issues voters bring up to you as you campaign?

Affordable housing, roads and the local hospital.

4. What three issues are most pressing/important to address locally in your opinion?

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, affordable housing, downtown revitalization and smart economic growth. A strong local economy can help pay for the services that the community is asking for.

5. What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

I am a life-long resident and know Quinte West very well. I have worked in local government and know how things get done and how to work with people to facilitate results. I am approachable and ready to listen and provide assistance. And finally, as noted, previously, I have been out in the community in various roles striving to make Quinte West a better place for one and all. I have an established track record.